Tony Blair may deplore the 1960s, but charismatic ex-disc jockey Paul Rusling hopes echoes from that era will whet investors’ appetites for his Manx-based radio venture Isle of Man International Broadcasting. Rusling is rushing to float the company on AIM, while conditions for media shares continue to brighten.

An AIM float was originally pencilled in for the second half of 2005. But ‘we’re looking to bring the float forward to the first half now,’ says the colourful Yorkshireman, best known as a leading player at offshore station Radio Caroline.

IMIB, which had faced opposition to its radio project from locals fearing its transmitter would be an eyesore, finally won permission to put the new station on air after it decided to build the mast several miles out to sea in Ramsey Bay. The advertising-driven station will target 25-to-55-year olds.

Intriguingly, and in line with those demographics, Rusling confirms that 60s crooner Gene Pitney and world renowned keyboard player Rick Wakeman will be involved in the stations’ programming.